Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is a fantastic blend of crunchy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and garlicky sauce that just hits the spot. The chicken stays perfectly crispy while the honey garlic glaze adds a sticky, flavorful finish that makes every bite so satisfying.
I love making this dish when I want something quick but feel like I’m treating myself. The key for me is getting the chicken extra crispy before tossing it in the sauce—that way, you get that wonderful crunch alongside the sweet and savory flavors. Plus, the garlic adds a nice punch that keeps things interesting.
My favorite way to enjoy this dish is over a bed of steamed white rice, with a side of simple stir-fried veggies like broccoli or snap peas. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time, and leftovers reheat really well too. If you like sticky, crispy chicken with a hint of sweetness, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your house.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using chicken thighs for juicier pieces, but breast works fine if you want leaner meat. Just watch cooking times to avoid dryness.
Batter Mix: The combo of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives a light, crispy coating. Cornstarch is key here! If you don’t have baking powder, you can skip it, but your coating will be less airy.
Honey Garlic Sauce: Honey is sweet and sticky, but you can swap it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. Fresh garlic is best for the punchy flavor, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Soy Sauce & Rice Vinegar: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control salt levels. Rice vinegar adds mild tang; if unavailable, white vinegar works but use less to avoid overpowering the sauce.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy Without Getting Soggy?
Getting the chicken crispy before adding the sauce is important to avoid sogginess. Here’s what helps me:
- Use cold water in your batter — it keeps it light and crispy when fried.
- Don’t crowd your pan during frying; too many pieces lower the oil temperature.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to soak up excess oil before saucing.
- Toss the chicken quickly and gently in the sauce right before serving, so the coating stays crunchy.
Also, keep an eye on your oil temperature around 350°F. Too hot and your batter burns; too cold and it will absorb oil and get heavy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep-fry thermometer – I recommend this to keep your oil at the right temperature for crispy chicken.
- Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed skillet – perfect for frying the chicken evenly and safely.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – makes removing the fried chicken easy without excess oil.
- Small saucepan – for cooking the honey garlic sauce to a perfect glossy finish.
- Mixing bowls and whisk – for preparing the batter and stirring the sauce smoothly.
- Paper towels or wire rack – helps drain excess oil and keeps the coating crispy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap honey for agave or maple syrup for a different sweet note, or add a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Mix in sliced bell peppers or broccoli to add crunch and color; great for extra veggies.
- Use chicken wings or drumsticks instead of chunks, perfect for a finger-food version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, plus a few minutes for frying the chicken in batches. Overall, you can expect to finish around 30-35 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and cold water. Pour the egg mix into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken well.
2. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Add the chicken pieces into the batter and toss to coat each piece evenly.
3. Heat the Oil:
Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or large deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain this temperature for crispy chicken.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, for about 4–5 minutes per batch. Cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce:
While frying, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Toss Chicken in Sauce:
Add the crispy fried chicken to the saucepan and toss gently to coat every piece with the delicious honey garlic sauce.
8. Serve:
Serve the sticky honey garlic chicken over steamed rice. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for a fresh, tasty finish.
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and flavorful Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken but make sure it’s fully thawed before coating and frying. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry to ensure the batter sticks well.
How Can I Make the Chicken Extra Crispy?
Use cold water for the batter to keep it light and crisp. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C), and drain the chicken well on paper towels before saucing to prevent sogginess.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can fry the chicken ahead and keep it on a wire rack in a warm oven to preserve crispiness. Make the sauce fresh and toss together just before serving for the best texture.
What Are Good Side Dishes for Honey Garlic Chicken?
Steamed jasmine or white rice is classic, but you can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal.
